Chafing

For the cooking utensil, see chafing-dish.

Chafing of skin

Chafing when used as a nautical term describes the process of wear on a line or sail caused by constant rubbing against a hard, usually metallic, surface. Various methods are used to prevent chafing. Chafing of lines that rest on a choke on a boat can be prevented by putting a protecting material (sometimes as simple as a piece of old garden hose) around the line. Chafing of a sail rubbing against a cable can be prevented on large ships by tying baggywrinkle around the cable.

Chafing can also refer to irritated skin. This is caused by constant rubbing of another part of the skin—two thighs, for example. Chafing can also be caused by sweat between the skin. 'Body Glide' or 'Petroleum Jelly' will help alleviate the chafing.